The Walking Dead gets a spin-off, a Rosita Espinosa

Robert Kirkman, Gale Anne Hurd and David Alpert are on board as executive producers on the new scripted series, with AMC Studios set to produce.

“Building on the success of the most popular show on television for adults 18-49 is literally a no-brainer,” said Charlie Collier, AMC’s president and general manager. “We look forward to working with Robert, Gale and Dave again as we develop an entirely new story and cast of characters. It’s a big world and we can’t wait to give fans another unforgettable view of the zombie apocalypse.”

“After 10 years of writing the comic book series and being so close to the debut of our fourth, and in my opinion, best season of the TV series, I couldn’t be more thrilled about getting the chance to create a new corner of The Walking Dead universe,” said Kirkman. “The opportunity to make a show that isn’t tethered by the events of the comic book, and is truly a blank page, has set my creativity racing.”

The spin-off, which will feature characters from the “Walking Dead” universe that haven’t yet appeared on the parent series, will premiere in 2015.

Meanwhile, “Twilight” actress Christian Serratos is joining “The Walking Dead” for it’s fourth season, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Serratos has been cast as Rosita Espinosa, a popular character from the comics on which the series is based. The character, who after 110 issues still remains alive in the comic, has been romantically involved with Abraham and Eugene.